Tetanus toxoid (TT) is a commonly used vaccine used for active immunization against Clostridium tetani. It is also included in the National Immunization Schedule of India and many other countries. It is given intramuscularly either alone or along with diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccine. Purified TT (adsorbed) has largely replaced plain toxoid because it stimulates higher and longer immune response. Hypersensitivity reactions following TT injections are uncommon and less likely to occur with purified TT adsorbed in aluminium phosphate, stored between 4 and 10°C. TT is otherwise a very safe vaccine. Adverse reactions to TT vaccine are mostly mild and limited to the injection site. The most common adverse reactions include local edema and tenderness, fever and anaphylactoid response. It may also cause delayed hypersensitivity responses with leukocyte migration inhibition.Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated reactions may occur, and the incidence of anaphylactic responses to TT immunization is as less as 0.001%.
Last date updated on June, 2014
